SHEATHE: Xenobiotic substances and heavy metals in the environment – a threat to health, ecosystems and development in Ghana

SHEATHE enters Wassa

The research team visited the Wassa Dadieso and Wassa Gyapa in the western region. Areas visited are Dadieso and Gyapa communities noted for Artisanal Small Scale Mining (galamsey) activities in the Wassa Amenfi East District of the Western Region.

The initial visit to the community on the 17th of October 2017 led the team to undertake a reconnaissance survey of the district. The team led by Prof. Rudith King and Prof. Francis Momade also visited the Dunkwa - Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Mineral Commission to make few enquires in relation to the effect of the mining activities on the community and revenue.

A follow up trip was made on the 24th of October 2017 as an official community entry. The team led by Prof. Rudith King and Dr. Godfred Darko informed the chief and the elders of the community about the purpose of the visit - the essence of the research, assurance of security and anonymity and confidence of the data to be collected. The chief was welcoming and in agreement with essence of the research. He further went ahead to assure the team of the needed security.

In all, these trips were successful. The team had the opportunity to engage both the local people as well as opinion leaders in these communities.